Learning Across A Bridge Between Belgium and Portugal

In 2026, the Santa Cecília International Piano Festival presents a series of international masterclasses, establishing a learning bridge between Belgium and Portugal, with pianists and teachers widely recognised for their experience in working with young performers.

From 28 February to 7 March 2026, masterclasses will take place in Brussels with Philippe Raskin (Belgium) and Álvaro Teixeira Lopes (Portugal), in collaboration with the César Franck Piano International Competition. Philippe Raskin, professor at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and artistic director of the César Franck International Piano Competition, combines his teaching activity with an international career as a performer. Álvaro Teixeira Lopes, director of the Silva Monteiro School of Music and of the Santa Cecília International Piano Festival, has a well-established career in piano teaching, with regular involvement as a teacher and jury member in international competitions and institutions.

In this case, applications are handled directly by the César Franck Piano International Competition.

In Portugal, at the Silva Monteiro School of Music, the programme continues with a masterclass by Leo de María (Spain), from 20 to 22 April 2026. An internationally awarded pianist, Leo de María maintains an active role in teaching and mentoring young pianists, combining his performing career with academic and educational work at several European institutions.

This is followed by a masterclass by Rafael Kyrychenko (Portugal), from 23 to 25 April 2026. Trained at institutions such as the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, the Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth and the Reina Sofía School of Music, Rafael Kyrychenko combines an intense concert career with sustained work supporting the artistic development of performers.

Masterclasses held in Portugal require online registration, with a maximum of eight active participants per teacher, admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. The participation fee is 70 euros, with an auditor fee of 20 euros, and includes six hours of daily work.
Each participant is entitled to two lessons, with the schedule defined on the first day.

 

For further information: piano@santaceciliapianofestival.com